Subaru Legacy (2023 year). Manual in english

(440,1)

To turn on/off the Driver Monitoring
System

To turn the Driver Monitoring System on
and off, operate the center information
display. Refer to “Car settings”

When the Driver Monitoring System is
turned OFF, the Driver Monitoring System
OFF indicator on the combination meter
display (color LCD) will illuminate.

NOTE

Even when the Driver Monitoring Sys-
tem is turned off, the user recognition
and automatically retract seat on entry
functions do not switch on or off
automatically.

User recognition settings

The Driver Monitoring System User recog-
nition function can be turned ON/OFF. For
the setting procedure, refer to “Car set-
tings”

�

P226.

NOTE

The user recognition function

setting cannot be changed for each
individual user.

The default setting for the user

recognition function is ON.

When the user recognition function

is turned OFF, the following items
cannot be selected.

– Repeat Facial Scan
– Register User
– Update Seat and Mirror Position
– Delete Driver Position

Automatically retract seat on entry

The automatically retract seat on entry
which automatically slides back the dri-
ver’s seat when the driver’s door is
unlocked and opened.
This function can be turned ON/OFF. For
the setting procedure, refer to “Car set-
tings”

�

P226.

CAUTION

Sit in the seat after the power seat
movement backward has been com-
pleted. Not doing so could result in
injury.

NOTE

If the seat position is not registered

in the access key fob memory, the
automatically retract seat on entry
function can be used.

Even when the automatically retract

seat on entry setting is ON, the auto-
matically retract seat on entry function
automatically turns OFF when the user
recognition function is OFF.

Automatically retract seat on entry

cannot be selected when the Driver
Monitoring System OFF indicator, Dri-
ver Monitoring System temporary stop
indicator, or Driver Monitoring System
warning is illuminated.

This function will operate if the seat

is in front of the center of the seat
sliding mechanism.

How to Get the Source Code
Using the Open Source

This product contains Free/Open Source
Software (FOSS).
The license information and/or the source
code of such FOSS can be found at the
following URL.
http://www.embedded-carmultimedia.jp/
RTOS/License/oss/DMS_0101/

Driver Monitoring System

438

(443,1)

8-1. New Vehicle Break-In Driving – the First

1,000 miles (1,600 km) .................................. 442

8-2. Fuel Economy Hints ....................................... 442
8-3. Engine Exhaust Gas (Carbon Monoxide)...... 442
8-4. Catalytic Converter ......................................... 443
8-5. Periodic Inspections....................................... 444
8-6. Driving in Foreign Countries ......................... 444
8-7. Driving Tips for AWD Vehicles ...................... 445
8-8. On-Road and Off-Road Driving...................... 446

Legacy ............................................................... 447
Outback/Subaru Outback Wilderness .................. 447

8-9. Winter Driving ................................................. 449

Operation during Cold Weather........................... 449
Driving on Snowy and Icy Roads ........................ 451
Corrosion Protection .......................................... 452
Snow Tires ......................................................... 452
Tire Chains ......................................................... 453
Rocking the Vehicle ............................................ 453

8-10. Loading Your Vehicle ....................................453

Vehicle Capacity Weight ..................................... 454
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight

Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating).............. 455

Roof Molding and Crossbar (Legacy).................. 455
Roof Rails with Integrated Crossbars

(Outback) ......................................................... 457

Roof Rails with Ladder Type (Subaru Outback

Wilderness)...................................................... 461

Roof Tent (Subaru Outback Wilderness) ............. 462

8-11. Trailer Hitch (Outback/Subaru Outback

Wilderness – If Equipped) ............................463

Connecting a SUBARU Genuine Trailer Hitch...... 464
If Not Towing a Trailer ........................................ 466

8-12. Trailer Towing (Legacy).................................466
8-13. Trailer Towing (Outback/Subaru Outback

Wilderness)....................................................467

Warranties and Maintenance............................... 467
Maximum Load Limits ........................................ 467
Connecting a Trailer ........................................... 470
Trailer Towing Tips............................................. 472

Driving Tips

Driving

Tips

(444,1)

8-1. New Vehicle Break-In
Driving – the First 1,000 miles
(1,600 km)

The performance and long life of your
vehicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):

Do not race the engine. And do not

allow engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm
except in an emergency.

Do not drive at one constant engine or

vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.

Avoid starting suddenly and rapid ac-

celeration, except in an emergency.

Avoid hard braking, except in an emer-

gency.

The same break-in procedures should be
applied to a newly installed or overhauled
engine or when brake pads are replaced
with new ones.

8-2. Fuel Economy Hints

The following suggestions will help to save
your fuel.

Select the proper gear position for the

speed and road conditions.

Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-

tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to
maintain that speed for as long as possi-
ble.

Do not pump the accelerator and avoid

racing the engine.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep the engine properly tuned.

Keep the tires inflated to the correct

pressure shown on the tire inflation pres-
sure label, which is located under the door
latch on the driver’s side. Low pressure will
increase tire wear and fuel consumption.

Use the air conditioner only when

necessary.

Keep the front and rear wheels in

proper alignment.

Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or

cargo.

The indication of the ECO gauge shows

a reference for saving fuel. For details,
refer to “ECO gauge”

�

P206.

8-3. Engine Exhaust Gas
(Carbon Monoxide)

WARNING

Never inhale engine exhaust gas.

Engine exhaust gas contains
carbon monoxide, a colorless
and odorless gas which is dan-
gerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.

Always properly maintain the en-

gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.

Never run the engine in a closed

space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.

Avoid remaining in a parked ve-

hicle for a long time while the
engine is running. If that is un-
avoidable, then use the ventila-
tion fan to force fresh air into the
vehicle.

Always keep the front ventilator

inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system al-
ways works properly.

New Vehicle Break-In Driving – the First 1,000 miles (1,600 km)

442

(445,1)

If at any time you suspect that

exhaust fumes are entering the
v e h i c l e , h a v e t h e p r o b l e m
checked and corrected as soon
as possible. If you must drive
under these conditions, drive
only with all windows fully open.

Keep the trunk lid (Legacy) or rear

gate (Outback/Subaru Outback
Wilderness) closed while driving
to prevent exhaust gas from en-
tering the vehicle.

NOTE

Due to the expansion and contraction
of the metals used in the manufacture
of the exhaust system, you may hear a
crackling sound coming from the ex-
haust system for a short time after the
engine has been shut off. This sound is
normal.

8-4. Catalytic Converter

WARNING

Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive

or park the vehicle anywhere
near flammable materials (e.g.
grass, paper, rags or leaves),
because the catalytic converter
operates at very high tempera-
tures.

Keep everyone and flammable

materials away from the exhaust
pipe while the engine is running.
The exhaust gas is very hot.

2.5 L models

2.4 L models

The catalytic converter is installed in the
exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to
reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gases,
thus providing cleaner exhaust.

To avoid damage to the catalytic converter:

Use only unleaded gasoline. Even a

small amount of leaded gasoline will
damage the catalytic converter.

Never start the engine by pushing or

pulling the vehicle.

Avoid racing the engine.

Never turn off the ignition switch while

the vehicle is moving.

Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel

the engine running rough (misfiring, back-
firing or incomplete combustion), have
your vehicle checked and repaired by an

– CONTINUED –

Catalytic Converter

443

Driving

Tips

(446,1)

authorized SUBARU dealer.

Do not apply undercoating or rust

prevention treatment to the heat shield of
catalytic converter and the exhaust sys-
tem.

Do not drive with an extremely low fuel

level.

8-5. Periodic Inspections

To keep your vehicle in the best condition
at all times, always have the recom-
mended maintenance services listed in
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet” per-
formed at the specified time or mileage
intervals.

8-6. Driving in Foreign Coun-
tries

When planning to use your vehicle in
another country:

Confirm the availability of the correct

fuel. Refer to “Fuel Requirements”

�

P348.

Comply with all regulations and require-

ments of each country.

Periodic Inspections

444

(447,1)

8-7. Driving Tips for AWD Ve-
hicles

WARNING

Always maintain a safe driving

speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.

When replacing or installing

tire(s), all four tires must be the
same for the following items.

(a) Size

(b) Speed symbol

(c) Load index

(d) Circumference

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.

If all four tires are not the same in
items (a) to (h), serious mechan-
ical damage could be caused to
the drivetrain of the car, and
affect the followings.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and the tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,
and it can lead to an accident.

CAUTION

If you use a temporary spare tire to
replace a flat tire, be sure to use the
original temporary spare tire stored
in the vehicle. Using other sizes may
result in severe mechanical damage
to the drive train of your vehicle.

All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By
shifting power between the front and rear
wheels, SUBARU AWD can also provide
added traction during acceleration, and
added engine braking force during decel-
eration.
Therefore, your SUBARU AWD vehicle
may handle differently than an ordinary
two wheel drive vehicle and it contains
some features unique to AWD. For safety
purposes as well as to avoid damaging the
AWD system, you should keep the follow-
ing tips in mind:

An AWD vehicle is better able to climb

steeper roads under snowy or slippery

– CONTINUED –

Driving Tips for AWD Vehicles

445

Driving

Tips

(448,1)

conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling, how-
ever, during extremely sharp turns or
sudden braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure to
reduce your speed and maintain an ample
distance from other vehicles.

Always check the cold tire pressure

before starting to drive. The recommended
tire pressure is provided on the tire inflation
pressure label, which is located on the
door pillar on the driver’s side.

Frequent driving of an AWD vehicle

under hard-driving conditions such as
steep hills or dusty roads will necessitate
more frequent replacement of the follow-
ing items than that specified in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet”.

– Engine oil
– Brake fluid
– Rear differential gear oil
– Continuously variable transmission
fluid
– Front differential gear oil

There are some precautions that you

must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detailed information, refer to “Towing”

�

P491.

8-8. On-Road and Off-Road
Driving

WARNING

Always maintain a safe driving

speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden brak-
ing or under other similar condi-
tions.

Always use the utmost care in

driving – overconfidence be-
cause you are driving an All-
Wheel Drive vehicle could easily
lead to a serious accident.

In a rollover crash, an unbelted

person is significantly more
likely to die than a person wear-
ing a seatbelt. The driver and all
passengers should fasten their
seatbelts before starting to drive
in order to minimize the chance
of serious injury or death.

Do not make sharp turns or quick

maneuvers unless absolutely un-
avoidable. Such actions are dan-
gerous, as you may lose control,
possibly resulting in a rollover
which could cause death or ser-

ious injury.

Whenever strong crosswinds are

present, slow down sufficiently
to maintain control of your vehi-
cle. Remember that your vehicle,
with its higher profile and center
of gravity, is more likely to be
affected by crosswinds than or-
dinary passenger cars.

Never attempt to drive through

pools and puddles, or roads
flooded with water. Water enter-
ing the engine air intake or the
exhaust pipe or water splashing
onto electrical parts may damage
your vehicle and may cause it to
stall. In this case, contact your
SUBARU dealer immediately. Re-
gardless of its depth, it can wash
away the ground from under your
tires, resulting in possible loss of
traction and even vehicle roll-
over.

CAUTION

After driving on gravel roads or
rough roads, check the undercar-
riage of the vehicle body for any
damage, deformation, or paint re-
moval. If you notice any irregulari-

On-Road and Off-Road Driving

446

(449,1)

ties, contact a SUBARU dealer for an
inspection as soon as possible.

Legacy

Your AWD vehicle is neither a conven-
tional off-road vehicle nor an all terrain
vehicle. It is a passenger car designed
primarily for on-road use. The AWD
feature gives it some limited off-road
capabilities in situations in which the
driving surface is relatively level, obstruc-
tion-free and otherwise similar to on-road
driving conditions. Operating it under other
than those conditions could subject the
vehicle to excessive stress which might
result in damage not eligible for repair
under warranty. If you do take your
SUBARU off road, you should review the
common sense precautions in the next
section (applicable to the Outback/Subaru
Outback Wilderness) for general gui-
dance. But please keep in mind that your
vehicle’s off-road capabilities are more
limited than those of the Outback/Subaru
Outback Wilderness.

Outback/Subaru Outback
Wilderness

CAUTION

Frequent driving of an AWD model
under hard-driving conditions such
as rough roads or off roads will
necessitate more frequent replace-
ment of the following items than that
specified in the maintenance sche-
dule described in the “Warranty and
Maintenance Booklet”.

Engine oil

Brake fluid

Remember that damage done to
your SUBARU while operating it
off-road and not using common
sense precautions such as those
listed above is not eligible for war-
ranty coverage.

Your vehicle is classified as a utility
vehicle. A utility vehicle features a high
ground clearance and may be equipped
with off-road tires (Subaru Outback
Wilderness models only), which enable
the vehicle to be used for a wider range of
applications. Because of the AWD feature
and higher ground clearance, you can
drive your SUBARU on ordinary roads or
off-road. It handles and maneuvers differ-

ently from many passenger vehicles both
on-road and off-road, so take time to
become familiar with your vehicle. Note,
however, that your vehicle is not a con-
ventional off-road vehicle or an all-terrain
vehicle, and it should not be operated like
one. A higher center of gravity in relation to
the tread width as compared with ordinary
passenger cars makes vehicles of this
type more likely to roll over. In reality, utility
vehicles have a significantly higher roll-
over rate than other types of vehicles. The
high ground clearance of this vehicle is a
real advantage, giving you a better view of
the road and allowing you to anticipate
problems earlier. However, remember that
your utility vehicle is not designed for high-
speed cornering comparable to ordinary
passenger cars and that your vehicle could
roll over if you make a sharp turn at high
speed. If you do take your SUBARU off-
road, certain common sense precautions
such as those in the following list should be
taken.

Before driving

Make certain that you and all of your

passengers are wearing seatbelts.

Carry some emergency equipment,

such as a towing rope or chain, a shovel,
wheel blocks, first aid kit and cell phone or
citizens band radio.

– CONTINUED –

On-Road and Off-Road Driving

447

Driving

Tips

(450,1)

Secure all cargo carried inside the

vehicle and make certain that it is not piled
higher than the seatbacks. During sudden
stops or jolts, unsecured cargo could be
thrown around in the vehicle and cause
injury. Do not pile heavy loads on the roof.
Those loads raise the vehicle’s center of
gravity and make it more prone to tip over.

Never equip your vehicle with tires

larger than those specified in this manual.

During driving

General precautions:

Drive carefully. Do not take unneces-

sary risks by driving in dangerous areas or
over rough terrain.

Slow down and employ extra caution at

all times. When driving off-road, you will
not have the benefit of marked traffic
lanes, banked curves, traffic signs and
the like.

Do not drive across steep slopes.

Instead, drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. A vehicle can much more
easily tip over sideways than it can end
over end. Avoid driving straight up or down
slopes that are too steep.

Avoid sharp turning maneuvers, espe-

cially at higher speeds.

Do not grip the inside or spokes of the

steering wheel. A bad bump could jerk the
wheel and injure your hands. Instead,

drive with your fingers and thumbs on the
outside of the rim.

Do not drive or park over or near

flammable materials such as dry grass or
fallen leaves, as they may burn easily. The
exhaust system is very hot while the
engine is running and right after the engine
stops. This could create a fire hazard.

Precautions when driving under espe-
cially dangerous situations:

When driving over bumps in the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.

If driving through water, such as when

crossing shallow streams:

– First, check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the stream bed for
firmness.
– Next, ensure that the bed of the
stream is flat.
– Then, drive slowly and completely
through the stream. The water should
be shallow enough that it does not
reach the vehicle’s undercarriage.

If you must rock the vehicle to free it

from sand or mud, depress the accelerator
pedal slightly and move the select lever
back and forth between “D” and “R”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For
the best possible traction, avoid spinning

the wheels when trying to free the vehicle.

Do not perform the following opera-

tions. Doing so may cause the transmis-
sion to overheat or malfunction.

– Depressing the accelerator pedal
and brake pedal at the same time while
the select lever is in a position other
than “P” or “N”.
– Depressing the accelerator to hold
the vehicle in a stationary position
while on a slope and while the select
lever is in a position other than “P” or
“N”.
– Trying repeatedly to drive over a
bump that the vehicle cannot climb
over.

When the road surface is extremely

slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission in
2nd than 1st. Refer to “Selection of Manual
Mode”

�

P373.

Do not rotate the tires at a high speed if

the vehicle is stuck due to muddy, snowy,
icy, or similar low-traction conditions, or if
any tire is not touching the ground. Doing
so may cause the tires to burst or lead to
an accident due to abnormal overheating
or damage to drivetrain components.

On rough roads and roads with large

undulations, have a leader guide you, or
check the road surface in advance to
select a road where the ground will not

On-Road and Off-Road Driving

448

(451,1)

come in contact with the undercarriage of
the vehicle body.
Drive the vehicle at 6 mph (10 km/h) or
less. If you hear any abnormal noise while
driving, contact a SUBARU dealer for an
inspection as soon as possible.

Do not allow the vehicle tires to be

submerged in deep sand, a river, or sea-
water. If you have to drive under these
conditions, thoroughly wash the vehicle
after driving. If you hear any abnormal
noise while driving, contact a SUBARU
dealer for an inspection as soon as
possible.

If the wheels are stuck, cutting the

steering wheel at a sharp angle may cause
the steering components to be deformed.
If you hear any abnormal noise while
driving or if you notice any abnormalities
due to rough running, contact a SUBARU
dealer for an inspection as soon as
possible.

Avoid driving over curbs. Tires, wheels,

suspensions, and the mechanical compo-
nents under the vehicle body may be
unnoticeably damaged by the impact of
striking a curb or driving on a rough road. If
driving over a curb is unavoidable, ride
over it slowly and at a right angle to the
curb. When parking your vehicle, make
sure that the tires are not pressed against
the curb.

Do not drive for a long time while the

vehicle is tilted to the left or right.

After driving

Always check your brakes for effective-

ness immediately after driving in sand,
mud or water. Do this by driving slowly and
stepping on the brake pedal. Repeat that
process several times to dry out the brake
discs and brake pads.

After driving through tall grass, mud,

rocks, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is
no grass, bush, paper, rags, stones, sand,
etc. adhering to or trapped on the under-
body. Clear off any such matter from the
underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the
underbody, a mechanical breakdown or
fire could occur.

Wash the vehicle’s underbody after off-

road driving. Suspension components are
particularly prone to dirt buildup, so they
need to be washed thoroughly.

8-9. Winter Driving

Operation during Cold
Weather

Carry some emergency equipment, such
as a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares,
a small shovel and jumper cables.

Check the battery and cables. Cold tem-
peratures reduce battery capacity. The
battery must be in good condition to
provide enough power for cold winter
starts.

It normally takes longer to start the engine
in very cold weather conditions. Use an
engine oil of a proper grade and viscosity
for cold weather. Using heavy summer oil
will make it harder to start the engine.

Keep the door locks from freezing by
squirting them with deicer or glycerin.

Forcing a frozen door open may damage
or separate the rubber weather strips
around the door. If the door is frozen, use
hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards
thoroughly wipe the water away.

Use a windshield washer fluid that con-
tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use
engine antifreeze or other substitutes
because they may damage the paint of
the vehicle.

– CONTINUED –

Winter Driving

449

Driving

Tips

(452,1)

If you fill the windshield washer tank with a
fluid with a different concentration from the
one used previously, purge the old fluid
from the piping between the windshield
washer tank and washer nozzles by
operating the washer for a certain period
of time. Otherwise, if the concentration of
the fluid remaining in the piping is too low
for the outside temperature, it may freeze
and block the nozzles.

CAUTION

Adjust the washer fluid concen-

tration appropriately for the out-
side temperature. If the concen-
tration is inappropriate, sprayed
washer fluid may freeze on the
windshield and obstruct your
view, and the fluid may freeze in
the windshield washer tank.

State or local regulations on

volatile organic compounds may
restrict the use of methanol, a
common windshield washer anti-
freeze additive. Washer fluids
containing non-methanol anti-
freeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather
protection without damaging
your vehicle’s paint, wiper blades
or washer system.

Before driving your vehicle

Before entering the vehicle, remove any
snow or ice from your shoes because that
could make the pedals slippery and driving
dangerous.

While warming up the vehicle before
driving, check that the accelerator pedal,
brake pedal, and all other controls operate
smoothly.

Clear away ice and snow that has accu-
mulated under the fenders to avoid making
steering difficult. During severe winter
driving, stop when and where it is safe to
do so and check under the fenders
periodically.

Parking in cold weather

WARNING

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle if you park
the vehicle in snow with the engine
running.

CAUTION

Do not use the parking brake

when parking for long periods in

cold weather since it could freeze
in that position.

When the vehicle is parked in

snow or when it snows, raise the
wiper blades off the glass to
prevent damage to them.

Under either of the following

conditions, icing may develop
on the brake system, which could
cause poor braking action.

– When the vehicle has been left

parked after use on roads
heavily covered with snow

– When the vehicle has been left

parked during a snowstorm

Check for snow or ice buildup on

the suspension, disc brakes and
brake hoses underneath the ve-
hicle. If there is caked snow or
ice, remove it, being careful not
to damage the disc brakes and
brake hoses and ABS harness.

When parking for long periods in cold
weather, you should observe the following
tips.
1. Place the select lever in the “P”
position.
2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent
the vehicle from moving.

Winter Driving

450

(453,1)

Refueling in cold weather

To help prevent moisture from forming in
the fuel system and the risk of its freezing,
use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel
tank is recommended during cold weather.
Use only additives that are specifically
designed for this purpose. When an anti-
freeze additive is used, its effect lasts
longer if the tank is refilled whenever the
fuel level reaches half empty.

If your SUBARU is not going to be used for
an extended period, it is best to have the
fuel tank filled to capacity.

Driving on Snowy and Icy
Roads

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads such as snowy or icy
roads. This may cause loss of vehi-
cle control.

CAUTION

Avoid prolonged continuous driving
in snowstorms. Snow will enter the
engine’s intake system and may
hinder the airflow, which could re-
sult in engine shutdown or even

breakdown.

To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid
sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high-
speed driving, and sharp turning when
driving on snowy or icy roads.
Always maintain ample distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
to avoid the need for sudden braking.
To supplement the foot brake, use the
engine brake effectively to control the
vehicle speed. (Shift into a lower gear
when necessary.)
Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such beha-
vior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly
leading to loss of vehicle control.

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) en-
hances your vehicle’s braking perfor-
mance on snowy and icy roads. For
information about braking on slippery
surfaces, refer to “ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System)”

�

P378 and “Vehicle Dynamics

Control System”

�

P380.

Wiper operation when snowing

Before driving in cold weather, make sure
the wiper blade rubbers are not frozen to
the windshield or rear window.

If the wiper blade rubbers are frozen to the
windshield or rear window, perform the
following procedure.

To thaw the windshield wiper blade

rubbers, use the defroster with the airflow
selection in “

” and the temperature set

for maximum warmth until the wiper blade
rubbers are completely thawed. Refer to
“Climate Control”

�

P301.

If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper

deicer, use it. It is helpful to thaw the
windshield wiper blade rubbers. Refer to
“Defogger and Deicer”

�

P270.

To thaw the rear wiper blade rubbers,

use the rear window defogger. Refer to
“Defogger and Deicer”

�

P270.

When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts
to stick on the surface of the windshield
despite wiper operation, use the defroster
with the airflow selection in “

” and the

temperature set for maximum warmth.
After the windshield gets warmed enough
to melt the frozen snow on it, wash it away
using the windshield washer. Refer to
“Windshield washer”

�

P268.

Snow stuck on the wiper arm prevents the
wiper from working effectively. If snow is
stuck on the wiper arm, pull off the road to
a safe place, then remove it. If you stop the
vehicle at road side, use the hazard
warning flasher to alert other drivers. Refer
to “Hazard Warning Flasher”

�

P174.

– CONTINUED –

Winter Driving

451

Driving

Tips

(454,1)

We recommend use of non-freezing type
wiper blades (winter blades) during the
seasons you could have snow and freez-
ing temperatures. Blades of this type give
superior wiping performance in snowy
conditions. Be sure to use blades that are
suitable for your vehicle.

CAUTION

During high-speed driving, non-
freezing type wiper blades may not
perform as well as standard wiper
blades. If this happens, reduce the
vehicle speed.

NOTE

When the season requiring non-freez-
ing type wiper blades is over, replace
them with standard wiper blades.

Corrosion Protection

Refer to “Corrosion Protection”

�

P506.

Snow Tires

WARNING

When replacing or installing win-

ter tire(s), all four tires must be
the same for the following items.

(a) Size

(b) Speed symbol

(c) Load index

(d) Circumference

(e) Construction

(f) Manufacturer

(g) Brand (tread pattern)

(h) Degrees of wear

For items (a) to (c), you must
obey the specification that is
printed on the tire inflation pres-
sure label. The tire inflation pres-
sure label is located on the dri-
ver’s door pillar.

If all four tires are not the same in
items (a) to (h), serious mechan-
ical damage could be caused to
the drivetrain of the car, and
affect the followings.

– Ride

– Handling

– Braking

– Speedometer/Odometer cali-

bration

– Clearance between the body

and the tires

It also may be dangerous and
lead to loss of vehicle control,

and it can lead to an accident.

Do not use a combination of

radial, belted bias or bias tires
since it may cause dangerous
handling characteristics and lead
to an accident.

Your vehicle is equipped with “all season
tires” which are designed to provide an
adequate measure of traction, handling
and braking performance in year-round
driving. In winter, it may be possible to
enhance performance through use of tires
designed specifically for winter driving
conditions.
If you choose to install winter tires on your
vehicle, be sure to use the correct tire size
and type. You must install four winter tires
that are of the same size, construction,
brand and load range and you should
never mix radial, belted bias or bias tires
since this may result in dangerous hand-
ling characteristics. When you choose a
tire, make sure that there is enough
clearance between the tire and vehicle
body.

Remember to drive with care at all times
regardless of the type of tires on your
vehicle.

Winter Driving

452

(455,1)

Tire Chains

CAUTION

Tire chains cannot be used on your
vehicle because of the lack of clear-
ance between the tires and vehicle
body.

NOTE

When tire chains cannot be used, use of
another type of traction device (such as
spring chains) may be acceptable if use
on your vehicle is recommended by the
device manufacturer, taking into ac-
count tire size and road conditions.
Follow the device manufacturer’s in-
structions, especially regarding max-
imum vehicle speed.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. Damage
caused to your vehicle by use of a
traction device is not covered under
warranty.

Make certain that any traction device
you use is an SAE class S device, and
use it on the front wheels only. Always
use the utmost care when driving with a
traction device. Overconfidence be-

cause you are using a traction device
could easily lead to a serious accident.

Rocking the Vehicle

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the accel-
erator pedal slightly and move the select
lever back and forth between “D” and “R”
repeatedly. Do not race the engine. For the
best possible traction, avoid spinning the
wheels when trying to free the vehicle.

When the road surface is extremely
slippery, you can obtain better traction by
starting the vehicle with the transmission in
2nd than 1st.

For information on holding the transmis-
sion in 2nd position, refer to “Selection of
Manual Mode”

�

P373.

8-10. Loading Your Vehicle

WARNING

Never allow passengers to ride on a
folded rear seatback, in the trunk or
in the cargo area. Doing so may
result in serious injury.

– CONTINUED –

Loading Your Vehicle

453

Driving

Tips

(456,1)

WARNING

Never stack luggage or other

cargo higher than the top of the
seatback because it could tumble
forward and injure passengers in
the event of a sudden stop or
accident. Keep luggage or cargo
low, as close to the floor as
possible.

When you carry something inside

the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can to prevent it from being
thrown around inside the vehicle
during sudden stops, sharp turns
or in an accident.

Do not pile heavy loads on the

roof. These loads raise the vehi-
cle’s center of gravity and make it
more prone to tip over.

Secure long items properly to

prevent them from shooting for-
ward and causing serious injury
during a sudden stop.

Never exceed the maximum load

limit. If you do, some parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss
of control and cause personal
injury. Also, overloading can

shorten the life of your vehicle.

Do not place anything on the rear

shelf behind the rear seatback
(Legacy) or the extended cargo
a r e a c o v e r ( O u t b a c k – i f
equipped). Such items could
tumble forward in the event of a
sudden stop or a collision. This
could cause serious injury.

CAUTION

Do not carry spray cans, containers
with flammable or corrosive liquids
or any other dangerous items inside
the vehicle.

NOTE

For better fuel economy, do not carry
unneeded cargo.

Vehicle Capacity Weight

The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver’s

Loading Your Vehicle

454

(457,1)

side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.

GVWR and GAWR (Gross Ve-
hicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)

Certification label

The certification label attached to the
driver’s side door pillar shows GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR
(Gross Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue

load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation.

In addition, the total weight applied to each
axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a vehicle
scale, found at a commercial weighing
station.

Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.

Roof Molding and Crossbar
(Legacy)

CAUTION

For cargo carrying purposes, the

roof molding must be used to-
gether with a roof crossbar kit
and the appropriate carrying at-
tachment. Otherwise, damage to
the roof or paint or a road hazard
due to loss of cargo could result.

When using the roof crossbar kit,

make sure that the total weight of
the crossbars, carrying attach-
ment and cargo does not exceed
the maximum load limit. Over-
loading may cause damage to
the vehicle and create a safety

– CONTINUED –

Loading Your Vehicle

455

Driving

Tips

Subaru Legacy (2023 year). Manual in english - page 28